Howard County Maryland Historical Markers

Began service in 1840 between Annapolis and the Washington Branch of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad at Annapolis Junction. Sponsored by the state, the line was a key route for travel to and from the capital. During the Civil War it was used by Union . . . — — Map (db m80024) HM

The first large land grant in what is now Howard County. Patented October 1, 1687 to Adam Shipley who came to Maryland from England in 1668. This marks a section of the western boundary of the 500 acre grant. A Shipley family cemetery is located . . . — — Map (db m3182) HM

Oakland was the family home of George R. Gaither, a successful Baltimore merchant who purchased the property in 1838. His son, George R. Gaither, Jr., served as captain of a local militia unit, the Howard Dragoons (mounted infrantrymen). Most of the . . . — — Map (db m5287) HM

Granite was quarried in the Guilford area beginning in the 1830s and continuing until 1925 - a span of almost a century. As the nearby cities of Baltimore and Washington expanded, there was a need for quality building stone for structures and . . . — — Map (db m20501) HM

River Facts
* The Little Patuxent River begins in Howard County near Alpha Ridge.
* It is joined by the Middle Patuxent River near Savage.
* It continues south to join the Patuxent River near Crofton in Anne Arundel County.
* The . . . — — Map (db m20504) HM

[picture of steam locomotive] Steam locomotive. A small saddle-tanker locomotive pushed and pulled freight cars around in the quarry, and hauled heavy loads of granite to the main line of the railroad. The saddle-tanker had a water tank that . . . — — Map (db m20499) HM

History: Railroad expansion in the 19th century required strong, dependable bridges to carry trains over ravines and rivers. Early bridges were built of stone that was sturdy but expensive. Timber bridges often had to be replaced as wood . . . — — Map (db m20498) HM

The Town of Guilford
History
Once, a thriving community prospered here along the banks of the Little Patuxent River. Guilford was a center for milling, quarrying, and cotton=cloth production in the late 18th through the early . . . — — Map (db m19884) HM

Site of a skirmish between confederate cavalry commanded by General J.E.B. Stuart, and Maryland militia on June 29, 1863. The Confederates easily defeated their opposition and continued northwardly towards Hood’s Mill and Westminster. — — Map (db m936) HM

Gettysburg Campaign When Confederate Gen. J.E.B. Stuart led his cavalry division north across the Potomac River
into Maryland in June 1863, about 400 Federals and civilians were captured and then paroled
in Brookeville. At the same time, . . . — — Map (db m937) HM

Site of the first public high school for African Americans in Howard County. Original site of Warfield Academy, became Mount Gregory School in 1867 for African Americans and was the genesis of Mount Gregory Church. Was a public elementary school by . . . — — Map (db m938) HM

The grave of this Revolutionary War patriot is near this site. A member of the Sons of Liberty, he participated in the burning of the brig “Peggy Stewart,” at Annapolis, October 19, 1774, and also served as a major in the Elkridge . . . — — Map (db m3184) HM

After stunning victories at Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, Virginia, early in May 1863, Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee carried the war through Maryland, across the Mason and Dixon Line and into Pennsylvania. His infantry marched north through . . . — — Map (db m935) HM

"[On] any weekend [you] will find from 20 to 25 of our faithful band of Gypsies enjoying nature to its fullest extent ... Enjoying watching the change in foliage from week to week, taking dips in the old Patapsco river in spite of frost, getting up . . . — — Map (db m73599) HM

Recreational camping on Maryland's public lands began near this spot about 1916. Maryland's first state forester, Fred W. Besley, encouraged the public to participate in outdoor recreation on state forest lands in an effort to foster an appreciation . . . — — Map (db m8772) HM

"Life was quite and serene. The difference between then and now much like the difference between the raucous blare of the Diesel horn and friendly warmth of the whistle on a distant locomotive." - Thomas Phillips, Orange Grove in 1900 . . . — — Map (db m73255) HM

Originally owned by Thomas McCrea, by 1887 sewing machines and notions were sold here. Later home to Goldberg’s Store, among others, including Caplan’s Dept. Store during its 1925 renovations. Stucco was added to the 3-story brick and stone building . . . — — Map (db m111761) HM

‹Andrew Ellicott› was born in Bucks Co., Pennsylvania, 1st month, 22nd, 1733; to which place his grandfather emigrated from near Falmouth, England about the year 1700. Soon after his marrying to ‹Mary Fox›, Andrew moved from his mills . . . — — Map (db m112433) HM

One of the first railroads in the country, constructed in 1830 of wooden rails that carried horse-drawn cars, extended from Baltimore to Ellicott's Mills. This station was built the next year, and soon steel rails replaced wooden ones as the . . . — — Map (db m29961) HM

During the Civil War, Baltimore and its environs exemplified the divided loyalties of Maryland's residents. The city had commercial ties to the South as well as the North, and its secessionist sympathies erupted in violence on April 19, 1861, when . . . — — Map (db m192) HM

Day, a master stone mason, purchased this lot from the Ellicotts an built this federal style home, one of the oldest brick structures in the district. Rear and side additions were prior to 1887. Later home to the French’s for many years, then . . . — — Map (db m112257) HM

Howard County native Decatur Dorsey was one of only sixteen African American soldiers to received the Medal of Honor for courage under fire during the Civil War. Sgt. Dorsey, of Company B, 39th United States Colored Troops, earned his medal at the . . . — — Map (db m5756) HM

Deborah Disney ran her tavern, a popular gathering place for men, on this site from 1840-1862. The building continued as a tavern thought the late 19th century. Later a fabric store, women's boutique, and antique bookstore, it is one of the oldest . . . — — Map (db m111737) HM

The Baltimore & Ohio (B&O) Railroad's Ellicott City complex was the heart and soul of a bustling industrial and agricultural community once known as Ellicott’s Mills. The railroad built several structures on or near the site, including Oliver . . . — — Map (db m112255) HM

By the 1850s, a prosperous community was located here around the Ellicott family gristmills and ironworks established in the 1770s. When the Civil War began in 1861, the town's population exceeded 2,000. Although the mill workers and merchants of . . . — — Map (db m37545) HM

Joseph Ellicott (who with his brothers Andrew and John had established Ellicott’s Lower Mills, now Ellicott City, on the Patapsco River in 1772) built the Upper Mills and his home on “Fountaindale” near this spot in 1775. Remaining . . . — — Map (db m3185) HM

You are standing at the site of the historic African American neighborhood of
Fells Lane. The homes were demolished n the 1970s, and the street renamed Fels, after community activists fought for the construction of a new neighborhood.
This . . . — — Map (db m111831) HM

By 1963 the fire station’s larger and more modern equipment required more space. This building annex was erected in order to provide the needed overflow storage unit relocation to the new Fire Station on Montgomery Road in 1997. This building, along . . . — — Map (db m111804) HM

The 1843 Howard County Courthouse, Located on Court Avenue in the Historic District of Ellicott City, Maryland, was the location for judicial proceedings related to legal cases involving those charged with encouraging enslaved persons to run away. . . . — — Map (db m111703) HM

The Howard County Jail, located at 1 Emory Street, in the Historic District of Ellicott City, Maryland, was the location where freedom seekers and those charged with encouraging enslaved persons to run away or rise up against their masters or . . . — — Map (db m111721) HM

Three homes, built in simple cut stone and frame style, on lots purchased in the 1834 lottery. In the 1840's the Hunt siblings used the lower sections as a millinery shop and dry goods/grocery story, using the large display window. Later uses: a . . . — — Map (db m87427) HM

This three-story frame home was built by John Williams, who won the lot in the 1834 land lottery. Later owners included Henry Wooten, a prominent lawyer and Confederate Civil War veteran. The building was remodeled after Hurricane Agnes in the . . . — — Map (db m87392) HM

Built by Jonathan Ellicott, John Day used this building as a store and a home in the 1850s. Dr. Thomas B. Owings moved here after death of his wife and six of his children in the 1868 flood. More recently this building has housed many dentists, . . . — — Map (db m98461) HM

The Bay is part of a vast interconnected ecosystem. Everything done on land affects the Bay and the plants and animals that live there.
Who is affected by the health of the Chesapeake Bay? The 48 major rivers, 100 smaller rivers, and . . . — — Map (db m149) HM

You now stand in front of Gary Memorial United Methodist Church, one of the remaining structures built during an era when the mill towns not only produced the commerce of trade, but also developed communities that would shape the lives of . . . — — Map (db m71332) HM

In the 1930’s Charles Miller built a new showroom for his Chevrolet dealership here before relocating to Route 40. In 1968 Stromberg Publishing consolidated its offices, warehouse and printing operation here for its Ellicott City then Howard County . . . — — Map (db m111834) HM

In 1939 this new brick, two-story fire house was built. Fire Department historian B H Shipley, Jr and bride resided on the 2nd floor for seven years. It was also a trolley terminal. The HoCo Volunteer Fire Dept. operated here until 1997, when . . . — — Map (db m98462) HM

The first Howard County Courthouse, located in the historic district of Ellicott City Maryland, was a pre-existing structure rented by the Howard District Commissioners from George Ellicott in 1840 to house judicial proceedings of the new Howard . . . — — Map (db m111783) HM

The stabilized ruin above you - the Patapsco Female Institute - served the young ladies of the North and South from 1837 to 1891. Amelia Hart Lincoln Phelps, a renowned author and educator, headed the school between 1841 and 1855. Concerned with the . . . — — Map (db m74252) HM

Ellicott City’s Main Street is the National
Pike, part of the road system that moved
Americans west. Only two decades after the
road was constructed, a new transportation
rival appeared. In 1831, America’s first
railroad, the Baltimore & Ohio, . . . — — Map (db m720) HM

This building replaces the popular early 20th century Rosenstock’s Department Store. The original three buildings joined by a single front were destroyed by a November 1999 fire. Historic Ellicott Properties, Inc. commissioned Architect Greg . . . — — Map (db m111764) HM

The last lot won in the 1834 land lottery, then sold to the Patapsco Bank in 1886, which built this Romanesque Revival building to house the Second Patapsco Bank. At one period modernized, it was restored to its original design in the 1970's by . . . — — Map (db m87391) HM

In 1887, a two-story frame print shop was situated on this site. In 1919, Scott Starr purchased the building for use as a funeral home, and also offered autos “for hire”. A new brick addition was added and the frame structure renovated. . . . — — Map (db m111736) HM

Samuel Ellicott deeded this lot in 1837, and it is the fourth oldest Methodist Church in continuous use in the county. The stained glass and painted windows were added during renovations in 1887. The nickname derives from the pattern of the . . . — — Map (db m98460) HM

After the 1915 fire, Irving Taylor built this new building, the fourth location for the business, which grew from jewelry and optometry to music boxes, then home appliances which at that time use motors powered by generators. In 1970 Marvin L. Sachs . . . — — Map (db m111763) HM

This row of 19th century utilitarian structures has been the architectural orphan of Ellicott City. Referred to on early maps as barns or sheds, these buildings were built between 1830 and 1870 to serve the livery trade. Because of their relative . . . — — Map (db m8110) HM

This building was erected in 1889 as the
town’s first fire department.
It served as a working fire station
from that date until 1923.
Subsequent usage included:
Utilization as a meeting hall for the Mayor and City Council of Ellicott . . . — — Map (db m55388) HM

Built by J. Shipley then twice auctioned. In 1879 sold to the Eckert's who served such popular food that the hotel was later enlarged. The public was allowed to take a shortcut through the hotel which led them to the upper street and court house. . . . — — Map (db m87547) HM

Among the oldest homes in EC, after the turn of the century owned by the Kraft’s, among others. After the 1972 flood, restored by Alda Baptiste Castaldi, who operated a specialty dress shop here for 30 years. Then during renovations for the Obladi . . . — — Map (db m111734) HM

This marker stands on a part of the right of way of the historic and fabled National, or Cumberland Road. Commencing in 1806 it was built in segments by city, state, federal, and private means and was the first great commercial and travel link from . . . — — Map (db m131) HM

This building, originally a harness shop, was purchased by the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in 1863 for approximately $2,000. It has been in continuous use by the Order ever since. Architecturally and historically significant, this 3-1/2 story, . . . — — Map (db m87500) HM

The Patapsco Female Institute (PFI), located on Church Road with a commanding view of Ellicott City, was one of the most famous and prestigious schools for girls in 19th century America. The school officially opened its doors in 1837 under Reverend . . . — — Map (db m74239) HM

Built in the Neo-Colonial Style with doric columns and large squared corner stones for a sense of banking stability. Elegant interior was especially known for its attractive room for ladies, complete with fireplace, desks " and adjoining toilet . . . — — Map (db m87347) HM

Long home to purveyors of libations, this lot, once owned by the family of cabinet makers Barnard Fort, was part of the 1834 land lottery. O'Brien's Saloon, Fissell's, Valmas Brothers Inn and the Phoenix Emporium have occupied this corner and . . . — — Map (db m73223) HM

Ellicott City’s Main Street, with its businesses, shops and dining establishments, reflects four centuries of prosperity built through hard work, innovation and the connection to economic opportunity. In 1771, the Patapsco River Valley was a . . . — — Map (db m111798) HM

This building was originally the home and dental office of Doctor Mordecai Gist Sykes. Dr. Sykes was a prominent local businessman who served two terms as Ellicott City’s Mayor (1889-1897). The Building has since housed state and local county . . . — — Map (db m111709) HM

Dedicated to the men from
Howard County who fought
To preserve the Union during
the American Civil War
from 1861 to 1865
Union Units with companies raised in
Howard County during the war:
The Patapsco Guards, Independent . . . — — Map (db m111813) WM

The single set of tracks outside the museum’s fence was the original right-of-way of the Baltimore & Ohio (B&O) Railroad. Now owned by CSX Transportation, this right-of-way has been in continuous use since 1830. For many years there were two sets of . . . — — Map (db m112291) HM

Originally a private residence, this 3-1/2 story granite block structure is built into solid rock and on a slope such that the entire first floor forms the foundation. The building has housed Kinsey's bookmaking shop, a tavern, the American Red . . . — — Map (db m87551) HM

Built for Henry Edgar Wootton, Esquire (1837-1894), this is the oldest of the professional buildings which now comprise Ellicott City’s Lawyers’ Row.
Constructed on a 28’ 4” square native granite foundation, it is located on the solid . . . — — Map (db m111839) HM

In Memory of
The Citizens of Howard County
Who Served in World Wars I and II
And The Korean Conflict
Erected by
V.F.W. Post No. 7472
Ellicott City Lions Club
Ellicott City Rotary Club — — Map (db m111705) WM

In 1905 SJ Yates opened his grocery store at 8247, formerly a home from the mid 1800’s. He used a model T truck to make free home deliveries. In 1925 he move to his newly-constructed building at 8249. In 1938 his grandson, Bladen, opened a hardware . . . — — Map (db m111715) HM

“New Lisbon” was established by Quaker Caleb Pancoast in 1802, who saw both need and opportunity to service travelers along the length of the National Pike. He also welcomed all religious denominations into his home, and allowed it to be . . . — — Map (db m5744) HM

The forested land was patented in 1726 by Daniel Carroll of Upper Marlboro, who called it "The Mistake". Earliest part of house was built c. 1760 by Nathan and Sophia Dorsey. In 1786 Edward Dorsey sold 650 acres, including "The Mistake" to Colonel . . . — — Map (db m3342) HM

The forested land was patented in 1726 by Daniel Carroll of Upper Marlboro, who called it "The Mistake". Earliest part of house was built c. 1760 by Nathan and Sophia Dorsey. In 1786 Edward Dorsey sold 650 acres, including "The Mistake" to Col. John . . . — — Map (db m3343) HM

This plaque commemorates Robert Bannaky, the colonial African American father and farmer. He purchased this historic land in 1737, with the sale of 7,000 pounds of tobacco. Robert was from Guinea (present day Ghana/Nigeria region of Africa), . . . — — Map (db m78504) HM

In the early 1800s, as settlers spread west from the Chesapeake Bay, the farming community of Poplar Springs grew up around the Baltimore and Frederick-Town Turnpike, part of the system of roads making up the National Road. An endless parade of . . . — — Map (db m5024) HM

Methodist churches were a source and inspiration for the budding African-American community as people moved
westward along the Baltimore and Frederick-Town Turnpike, part of the National Road system. Both enslaved and free African-Americans . . . — — Map (db m5745) HM

Spanning the Little Patuxent River is the sole surviving example of the bridging system invented, 1850, by Wendel Bollman, Baltimore engineer. It was the first system, entirely of iron, used by the Baltimore and Ohio railroad and the first in . . . — — Map (db m123610) HM

Constructed of river rocks hauled by horse and cart from the nearby Little Patuxent River, the stone building on Baltimore Street has been a landmark in the town of Savage since 1922. Its distinguishing features include large windows with stone . . . — — Map (db m70883) HM

The Mill "race" was filled with water from a point about a mile upstream where it converged with the Little Patuxent River at a wooden dam. The dam was destroyed in the early 1950's.
The water originally went directly through the "OLD WEAVE" . . . — — Map (db m19713) HM

This survey point, set September 2001, marks the symbolic center of population for the State of Maryland. This point is where an imaginary, flat, Weightless, and rigid map of the state of Maryland would balance perfectly if all its 5, 296,486 . . . — — Map (db m62567) HM

The mill town of Savage served a vital need for the United States Army after the Civil War began in 1861. William Baldwin who had purchased the mills in 1859 manufactured canvas for cannon covers and tents. Although cotton was in short supply, . . . — — Map (db m22462) HM

An Aluminum Bridge
This bridge is one of only six aluminum girder bridges in the United States, and the only one in Maryland. Despite its ordinary appearance, the bridge is a remarkable feat of engineering with worldwide significance. . . . — — Map (db m115066) HM

In 1771 William Spurrier opened a tavern at the intersection of the main routes linking Baltimore, Washington and Annapolis, now US 1 and MD 175. As traffic increased, it served as the first horse changing station for stages southbound from . . . — — Map (db m3237) HM

“Open a wide door, and make a smooth way for the produce of that Country to pass to our Markets.” George Washington, 1784
America’s founders looked west for the future success of the new country. The United States needed . . . — — Map (db m5742) HM

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